N-CCS Announces the 2015 Red Blazer Award Winners

Over the past three years, the Newton-Conover City School District has awarded the distinguished Red Blazer Award to eleven dedicated individuals who have committed themselves to the success of the district over the past century. These individuals have given of their time, efforts, finances and other resources, leaving a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of students and staff members that none can deny. The success of the N-CCS district over the years has been due in large part to these impressive individuals. The 2014-2015 Red Blazer Committee recently selected three individuals to be recognized with a Red Blazer Award. This fourth installment of distinguished winners consists of Maggie Daniels, Mavis B. Hedrick, and Bobby Rowe.

MaggieDaniels, former N-CHS English teacher and Discovery High School Counselor, graduated from NotreDame College with a BS in English Education in May of 2005. She came to N-CCS in August of 2006, and in that time, she was not only N-CCS Teacher of the Year for N-CHS, but also the system-wide Teacher of the Year in 2011. Maggie was a devoted English teacher and basketball coach while at N-CHS. Maggie was most recently working to complete her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Appalachian State University, and she had just completed her first year as a School Counselor at Discovery High School when she passed away unexpectedly in June of 2014. Maggie was dedicated to her family, students and school staff members. She received many accolades, both formally and informally, from her students and staff members. Her kind heart and her devotion to those she worked with were felt by all. Maggie will be receiving this award posthumously. Her mother, Kathy Daniels, will be in attendance to receive the award in her stead.

Mavis B. Hedrick, former teacher and school principal, graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne University and began teaching at Conover Elementary School in 1956. She also taught at Maiden Elementary School before receiving her Masters Degree from Appalachian State University and becoming a principal at South Newton Elementary School in 1965. She remained the principal there until her retirement in 1991. Mrs. Hedrick was known for being one of the first female principals in Catawba County, and she was also considered to be a forward-thinking, innovative leader who “ran a tight ship”. She felt very passionately about equal rights for students of all colors and ability levels, and she directed a school choir who performed for many groups and festivities over the life of her tenure. In her role as Principal, she believed in using the newest technologies in the classroom and she built a strong, well-known Parent-Teacher Association that reached out into the community to include all families. She was also well-known for her belief that students should be listened to and that educators should take the time to understand student’s concerns, successes, and interests. She resides in Conover with her husband, Richard. Together, they have one daughter, one granddaughter, and a great-granddaughter on the way.

Bobby Rowe, former teacher and coach, graduated from Winston-Salem State University and began teaching at Central School before teaching at Newton-Conover Junior High and Newton-Conover High School from 1961 to 1995. Coach Rowe taught elementary school, social studies, and Exceptional Children’s classes, and was known for his amazing coaching record, as well as the positive role model that he was on the court, on the field, and in the classroom. Coach Rowe was an accomplished athlete in his days as a college student, and he carried that enthusiasm into his career, having quite a life-changing impact on many of his student athletes. Bobby Rowe was known for his ability to lead students through some of the most intense eras in our country’s civil rights history; however, he never lost his focus on what was most important during school integration–his students. Coach Rowe resides in Hickory. He is the proud father of a son and daughter, as well as the proud grandfather of one grandson.

Community members, family members, friends, and former colleagues are encouraged to attend the Red Blazer event on May 14, 2015. This celebratory banquet will take place at the Catawba Country Club at 6:30 pm. For information on how to buy tickets to this event, please contact Dr. Betsy Rosenbalm at 828-464-3191 or betsy_rosenbalm@nccs.k12.nc.us prior to May 8, 2015.